So it’s always about now, (especially after receiving new products from Santa!) that I have a bit of a sort out in my make up case/box! Tonight I’ve cleaned all if my brushes (something I do regularly anyway) and have had a little rummage through my collection of products to see if anything needs to go. It’s always hard throwing something away, even if it’s something that i don’t particularly like! It feels wrong putting any make up in the bin, but sometimes it just has to be done! Tonight I’ve thrown out an old lipstick (a cheap one that I love the colour of, but my lips don’t like at all and always start peeling after I’ve worn it) and an old eyeshadow (which I have worn a lot but is not only a bit old hat but has probably got a million germs living happily in it!). I’ve…

So it’s always about now, (especially after receiving new products from Santa!) that I have a bit of a sort out in my make up case/box! Tonight I’ve cleaned all if my brushes (something I do regularly anyway) and have had a little rummage through my collection of products to see if anything needs to go. It’s always hard throwing something away, even if it’s something that i don’t particularly like! It feels wrong putting any make up in the bin, but sometimes it just has to be done! Tonight I’ve thrown out an old lipstick (a cheap one that I love the colour of, but my lips don’t like at all and always start peeling after I’ve worn it) and an old eyeshadow (which I have worn a lot but is not only a bit old hat but has probably got a million germs living happily in it!). I’ve tidied my bag (s) up and ordered my brushes box (which will be in mess again by Saturday). My new make up (Santa was very sweet this year- two new lipsticks, a lip liner, primer and a concealer (all by illamasqua)) have pride of place and are ready for use! It’s very exciting!

Experts say that you should throw make up out after it’s been used for 6 months (due to germ build up mainly) and i think it’s the best thing to do (although admittedly I have a few items that are arguably 10 years past that!). Old make up can cause dry skin and break outs, which you may blame on other factors such as diet or the weather conditions. Cleaning your brushes once a week (or so!) keeps them at their best, reduces bacteria build up and makes for much better application too. Having a good sort out also regularly reminds me of products I haven’t used in a while, or helps me locate items that I have misplaced!! Have a go- I bet you wear a different eyeshadow/blusher/lippy the day after you’ve done it! 😉

So-Christmas parties, work do’s, catching up with old friends and family and of course the day itself!! How do you wear your make up to carry you through the festive season? Let me help…

WORK

Let’s face it, going to work at this time of year always feels more exciting (even if you hate your job!). You can feel the excitement in the air and everyone is revving up for clock off (whichever day that might be)! I always want to go a little bit more “full on” during this season! Apply your foundation/powder combination as usual. Then add your blusher too. If you wear eyeshadow opt for one with more of a shimmer in (Bobbi Brown Sparkle eye shadow comes in a lot of different tonal shades sparkle eye shadow ) and add a really good sweep of that to your lower lid. If you’re a seasoned eyeliner junkie like me then knock yourself out by drawing on a nice thick line above your eyelashes (you could always try a different shade to your usual choice- maybe a gun metal grey or metallic navy?), but if you don’t usually opt for eyeliner then use a kohl pencil to add definition to your top lashes. This could be a dark metallic grey or black, or even brown if you’re really not sure about going that dark. Apply a good lick of mascara on both sets of lashes and finish with a warm shade of lippy (match it to your eyeshadow- so if it’s a greyish tone use a pink lippy, if it’s more stone/beige use a light brown/beige. Some shades work with everything such as light plum colours). Work glamour done.

WORK DO’s

Go for it!!! Use a stronger blush, it creates a much stronger look. I don’t mean go dark, I mean use your usual favourite but apply it slightly heavier- especially if you are wearing a red/fuschia lip colour- it balances out the shock of colour. Remember- pink based lip colour means a pink based blush- an orangey based lip colour (browns included) means an orange based blush- makes for a much more professional finish. Chose an eye shadow with a glitter in! Apply a base colour first then go heavy on the lower lid with your chosen glittery shadow! There’s not necessarily a need to apply eyeliner if you don’t want to, but if you apply a black liner to the outside of your bottom lashes it will give a much more sultry look. Alternatively, you could use a fine brush to apply some of the glittery shadow to the bottom lash line. Obviously a black mascara is must, and falsies are always an option! Finish with a beautifully strong lip and your ready! If your outfit allows you can always give yourself a dusting of body glitter too! Now go party!

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

I always think that the best look for when you meet up with people you don’t see that often one that leaves them thinking how well you look! This always starts with great skin! Make sure you are well moisturised and apply a satin primer under your foundation. Illamasqua’a satin primer is my absolute fave- and coupled with their skin base foundation it leaves your skin looking dewy but with a flawless finish! It covers blemishes and imperfections really well (if you need to just build the foundation up until you’re spot is covered!). Once your base is sorted the rest is easy- your favourite sweep of blush on your cheek bones and a little on the apple-ey part of you cheek will instantly make you look even more “glowing” coupled with a dab of highlighter on the all important cheek bones, chin and slightly above but in between your eyes. Your eyes should be simple but strong- a nude base with a great black mascara (doll eyes by Lancôme is great or YSL), maybe with a touch of highlighter on you’re brow bone for added wow! Add you favourite lippy in any colour, or even just a balm or gloss (my Christian Dior Rose Glow balm is amazing and plumps your lips at the same time as nourishing them! Or you could use the equally brilliant Addict Lip Glow- which enhances your lips natural pink tone). That’s it! All set for your friends and relatives to wonder how you manage to stay looking so amazing!

CHRISTMAS DAY!

Anything goes! Do what you feel like!! Strong eyes, strong lips or break the rules and do both!! Glitter, shimmer, gloss! Whatever takes your fancy! Just remember – if you’re cooking you may get got so don’t go too heavy with the eyes it you could end up looking like Marilyn Manson!! Have fun!! ( note to beware though- if your lucky enough to get new products from Santa it’s not always a great idea to try them for the first time on the day! Especially a mascara – they are all different and require some getting used to on occasion, so as tempting as it may be it’s sometimes better to leave it until it doesn’t matter quite so much!!)

What is a wardrobe classic?…. the one you love to pieces, the one that fits every occasion, the one you know you feel therefore look great in, the one that epitomizes you, the one you need, the one you buy again and again….?

Of course we all have a range of key pieces that form the base of our wardrobe. In styling, one of the first things I like to do is a ‘Wardrobe edit’, every wardrobe needs the key items to build not only your capsule collection but also the wardrobe that defines YOU.

A Classic…

I’m 27 years old and some of what I would consider my classics date back over 15 years and have a little tale behind them! Here are but a few….

My first ‘it’ bag….a Burberry bucket bag. I was never spoilt enough to get these…